When the U.S. entered WW I, an urgent need developed for an active
research and development (R&D) program for military aviation. A site
was selected at Dayton, Ohio because of its location relative to America's
industrial complex and on October 18, 1917, McCook Field was established.

For the next 10 years it was to serve as the nerve center of military aviation
R&D in the U.S. during WW I McCook Field made impressive strides in
airplane and engine development, but its greatest contributions came in
the years after the war.

Operating on a limited budget, McCook personnel
not only improved existing airplanes, engines, and equipment, but they designed, built, and tested entirely new items
of all types. At the same time, they lent their efforts and knowledge to
the civilian aircraft industry.